Overview & Reviews

Although the Cadillac Escalade wasn't the first luxury SUV sold in the U.S. market, it was the first light truck in the history of the Cadillac brand. Early versions drew plenty of criticism, but in retrospect, the Escalade deserves much credit for being the vehicle that transformed Cadillac's image from traditional and geriatric to youthful and flamboyant.

Much of the Cadillac Escalade's appeal is rooted in its over-the-top attitude. Generously proportioned inside and out, this sport-utility vehicle has a bold and angular face, exaggerated wreath-and-crest badging and chrome trim everywhere you look. There's no subtlety under the hood either, as the current truck's 6.2-liter V8 delivers an imposing exhaust rumble. Although quicker than many competitors, the Escalade often falls behind in refinement, from its handling dynamics to its build and materials quality. Cadillac has taken steps to address these shortcomings on the third-generation model, but there's no question the Escalade is primarily for buyers who like their SUVs large, brash and unapologetically American.

Current Cadillac Escalade
The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size SUV that seats seven people with standard second-row captain's chairs and eight with the optional second-row bench. The extended-length Escalade ESV, the quasi-pickup truck Escalade EXT and gasoline-electric Escalade Hybrid are reviewed separately.

Every regular Escalade comes standard with a 6.2-liter V8 that delivers 403 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, providing relatively brisk acceleration in virtually any situation. A six-speed automatic transmission handles the gearchanges and even offers a manual-shift mode for those drivers willing to press a pair of buttons on the Escalade's old-fashioned column shifter. The transmission routes power to the rear wheels on two-wheel-drive models or all four on all-wheel-drive models.

Inside, the Escalade presents a much nicer environment than its mechanical near-twins from Chevrolet and GMC. There is an abundance of equipment even on the "base" model, with items like heated first- and second-row seats, navigation and a Bose surround-sound audio system included as standard. The Luxury, Premium and Platinum trims pile on the niceties even further, but most are styling and trim elements. Despite its features list, the aging Escalade doesn't have the same look and feel as other luxury SUVs. Construction and the materials used just aren't as nice, even if leather and wood trim is included.

In reviews, we've found that the Escalade certainly delivers the pomp and power one expects from this increasingly iconic nameplate. However, there are significant practical drawbacks. First of all, the third-row seat is cramped and uncomfortable for the middle passenger and must be physically removed should you need extra cargo space. The third-row seats of competing vehicles fold neatly into the floor. The Escalade is also unwieldy on tighter roads, suffers from lackluster brakes and is very thirsty. There's also its perennial placement atop the list of most-stolen vehicles. In light of all this, we'd consider one of the many other full-size luxury SUVs as well.

Used Cadillac Escalade Models
When the latest (third) generation of the Cadillac Escalade debuted for the 2007 model year, it was the most modern and luxurious version of this full-size SUV to date. A stiff, fully boxed frame and a coil-spring front suspension provide a smoother ride than in years past, and handling is more controlled and predictable. As with the previous generation, there's no option to get four-wheel drive with low-range gearing, as Cadillac has equipped the Escalade for duty in the urban jungle rather than the one with tigers. Unlike previous generations, the third-gen Escalade no longer feels like a hastily reupholstered Chevy Tahoe.

Since its introduction, changes have been light and related mostly to new standard and optional features. The following year saw the introduction of the plush Platinum Edition while 2009 brought E85 fuel capability and available high-tech features such as a blind-spot warning system, LED headlights, Bluetooth and a rearview camera. The '10 Escalade received cylinder-deactivation technology; those models produced earlier achieve 1 fewer mpg. That year also saw the addition of new front side-impact airbags, a strengthened door design and a new USB connection for portable audio devices.

The second-generation Escalade was sold from 2002-'06. This is the model that restored Cadillac's reputation with younger buyers, as it was the first application of the company's showy "Art and Science" design language. This Escalade had a 345-hp, 6.0-liter V8 that made it one of the most potent sport-utility vehicles on the road. It also handled better than one would typically expect of a vehicle this size. The cabin had a somewhat cut-rate feel, but between all the soft leather and wood appliqués, many buyers found this easy to overlook.

No Escalade was offered during the 2001 model year, but the original version was on sale for 1999 and 2000. This Escalade was a rush job, as Cadillac needed something to fend off Lincoln's Navigator while working on the 2002 model. Aside from its Cadillac badges, upgraded leather and Zebrano wood, there was nothing to distinguish the original Escalade from GM's lower-line SUVs. Acceleration, braking and handling are sub par on this model, and we'd advise you to avoid it.

User Reviews:

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  Thin Plastic Seems to be in Style - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By Kriller - January 13 - 4:48 am

  I havent sold my 04 Escalade yet and I cant wait to get rid of my 07 model so that I can sit comfortably again. How could GM switch the comfy seats for these cardboard-ones? I got tired after driving for an hour, bumping around on roads I used to think were smooth, having my thoughts drowned in the engine, road, wind, and interior-noise! The Cashmere interior is too bright and will look old in six months.. It still has no flat folding 3rd row seats. And it still has no telescoping steering wheel.. Even though the styling is generally improved (mostly in the exterior front, the back looks like any GMC-truck) the over-sleekness of the interior came with a price - loss of personality. The engine sounds impressive, but lacks the power to impress. Overall this truck has a cheep feeling.

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  Still Solid and Going Strong - 2002 Cadillac Escalade
  By EasternHorseman - January 11 - 8:26 am

  I purchased my 02 Escalade as a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle in 2003. This is the best "car" Ive ever owned. It is still solid with minor wear and tear after 106,000 miles. It is an SUV with the handling and comfort of a "car". Even when hauling two horses in a trailer, this baby feels safe to me. I probably will drive it another 100,000 miles as I dont feel like I am taking a chance that the newer models can out do this one. Nice work on this 2002 model.

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  About the AC - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By gap2006 - January 9 - 8:17 am

  I purchased my 2007 Cadillac Escalade in March 06 when it was first released and have put about 10,000 miles on it. Its been flawless in every way and all the tech gadgets work the way they are supposed to. As far as climate control, I already suffered through a long heat wave with temps above 100 and the AC performed flawlessly. You can start the car remotely and by the time you get in it it will have already cooled down considerably. Once you get in and blast the AC and ventilated seats you will be pretty cold. Anyway, I look forward to your feedback as to how it actually performs in your area. Good luck.

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  Love my Escalade! - 2005 Cadillac Escalade
  By Karen - January 3 - 6:32 pm

  Weve had our Escalade for four months now and have no complaints. It a beautiful vehicle and handles well. The mileage is what you expect from an SUV. We are having some problems with the hands free phone not understanding us but have not yet looked into getting it fixed. The drivers seat is comfortable and with the memory settings there are no arguments about moving the seat. I am definitely impressed with the quality of our Escalade. Weve had SUVs before and a common problem was an impaired view on turns. This is definitely not a problem with the Escalade.

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  Powerful Engine - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By davo1103 - December 23 - 8:33 am

  The 2007 Cadillac Escalade is an excellent truck. It has a great engine. It needs more leg room in front and second rows though.

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  2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By david saylor - December 20 - 9:06 pm

  I have had problems with chopping the outside edge of the front tires. The tailgate on the EXT just falls open. The edge at the back of the tailgate is higher than the gate itself, a design flaw.

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  Im Hooked - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By Bill Williams - December 20 - 8:10 pm

  This is my 4th Escalade, one was an EXT, the others are the AWD models. They consistently have shown very good quality, reliability, and performance. It still rides a bit harsher than I would like, but it handles reasonably well. I have been sufficiently impressed with this vehicle to keep coming back to "the well." Its nice to drive something this nice thats built in this country, actually Arlington Texas.

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  Big Is Better - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By DOS - December 19 - 9:08 pm

  I just did a test drive on both the 07 Navigator and the 07 Escalade. The BIG difference was the motor and the instrument electronics. The Escalades ride was very nice as was the handling. The seats in the Navigator were a bit better, as was the 3rd row seating but I saw a drop off in the engineers to incorporate the electronics the way Escalade did. I now own the Escalade. The styling was the major factor in my decision. The Navigator was a bit cheaper even with the options packages. Im not buying the Escalade for gas savings, but its nice to know you can use regular gas when its crunch time!

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  Not What I Expected - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By niki - December 17 - 9:22 am

  Well I have been driving an Escalade for seven years now and love it! Ready to try on the new 2007 model, I drove to the dealership to pick it up! Cadillac is well aware of my disappointment, I called them! This is a $65,000 - $70,000 truck and I felt the interior quality was significantly lower than in years past! You can see dramatic cuts they made to make it seem more roomy! The seats are less comfortable and the cup holders, ha! The windows dont power up! The automatic back hatch is awesome though. At least thats an improvement. But bring back my confy seats! I think I want my 2004 Escalade back!

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  rRad Noise - 2007 Cadillac Escalade
  By homer - December 7 - 8:16 am

  I like the car a lot, except that the wind and road noise are really bad. A friend I took on a long road trip said his two year old Tahoe is much quieter. Sad, but I have to agree with him. The dealer adjusted the doors once but it didnt help. Is there a fix out there?